Free Home by Melissa Pearl

to get rid of it by going for a really long walk. I got lost quicker than I expected, but I did find a postcard, a real pretty one of the sun setting over the Pacific. I bought it and shoved it into my bag, hoping that I’d be able to write something pleasant.
    Josh’s words still hurt.
    I mean, I guess I understood how he was feeling and it was nice to be missed. I just really wanted him to be happy for me. This whole experience was a dream come true but he was tainting it, and I didn’t think that was fair.
    Thanks to a lovely couple, I managed to find my way back to the hotel in one piece. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, so I ended up playing my guitar and singing until my voice was hoarse. I wasn’t used to having so much time on my hands. It was a luxury that I quickly tired of. When Parker knocked on my hotel door that evening, I stumbled over myself trying to get to it.
    “Hi.” I chuckled, flicking a wayward curl over my shoulder.
    “Good evening.” He grinned, his brown gaze traveling down my body.
    I’d decided to go a little fancy and was wearing the black dress Millie gave me for my birthday. It had thin shoulder straps and kind of flared out ‘round my knees. It made me pretty…at least that’s what Josh said, although he was hardly a reliable source. I could be wearing a trash sack, and he’d think I looked good.
    “You are perfect.” Parker’s voice sounded a little in awe, which made me blush…again!
    “Thank you,” I murmured, grabbing my purse and following him to the elevator.
    We drove, with the top down, to Helium. It was a club on Sunset Boulevard that had a line of people going ‘round the corner. My lips parted as I approached the dazzling purple sign. Gorgeous girls and handsome guys were lined up waiting to go in. Parker led me straight past all of them and murmured something to the bouncer who took us straight through. It was like being a celebrity. A heady giddiness rumbled my insides as I played with the idea that one day I might actually be a celebrity! I was on my way!
    We climbed the stairs and entered through the big black doors. Behind those was a set of thick purple curtains. A man in a tux pulled the curtain aside, and I gasped as we walked into a plush-looking club. Live music pumped from the stage as a singer with a crew of expert back-up dancers performed. The guy was amazing and so talented. His voice was like chocolate—smooth and creamy. My heart near-melted at the sound.
    “This way.” Parker took my hand, laughing at my expression as he led us to a table in the corner.
    “This is unreal.” I giggled, squeezing his arm. “So, you’re telling me this is like Aren’s club?”
    “Yeah.” Parker nodded. “Really similar. There’s tables dotted throughout and a dance floor at the front, not quite as big as that one.”
    He pointed down to the space and I nodded, smiling at the fans who were jumping around on the floor in front of the stage.
    “But the stage is a similar set-up. Depending on what Aren thinks is best, and the performances that you guys put together, you’ll get a live band some nights and back-up dancers and singers.”
    A thunderous applause filled the room as Mr. Amazing finished.
    “Thank you, Helium!” he shouted into the mic, causing a second wave of cheers and applause.
    He loped off the stage as the next act teetered on. She was in heels and a flowing gold dress that was stunning. Her tight black curls were teased high and her glossy red lips drew my eye when she smiled. She did a spin, her dress sparkling under the spotlights as she came to stand in front of the microphone. I was entranced. She had a smooth, husky voice that reminded me of KT Tunstall. When she started singing “Suddenly I See,” I hooted with laughter.
    Parker gave me quizzical look.
    “I was just thinking she sounded like the woman who originally sang this song.”
    Parker grinned. “Yeah, she does.”
    “This place is so cool.”
    He leaned toward